Competent cells (Escherichia coli strain DH5α) ● LB (Luria Bertani) media ● Chloramphenicol (stock concentration 25 mg/mL dissolved in EtOH - working stock 25 ug/mL) ● 50 ml Falcon tube (or equivalent, preferably amber or covered in foil to block light) ● Incubator at 37°C ● 1.5 ml eppendorf tubes for sample storage ● Ice bucket with ice ● Pipettes ● 96 well plate, 2 different plates used: clear with flat bottom for absorbance; black with flat bottom for fluorescence